Sowerby Plate 1408 Scaly Grammitis or Spleenwort

Sowerby Plate 1408 Scaly Grammitis or Spleenwort

Original antique hand-colored botanical print from Sowerby's English Botany.

Scaly Grammitis or Spleenwort

Original antique hand-colored engraving botanical print

Botanical illustration by James Sowerby, F.L.S. G.S., &c.

Circa 1841

Approximately 5-9/16 x 8-9/16 inches

Paper is medium weight, blank on the back, and has the natural binding edge

Prints of this age show expected signs of age - like darkening around the edges, some staining and light foxing (see photo for actual condition). The colors remain vibrant and the paper stable.

Arrives in archival sleeve with mat board for archival storage

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James Sowerby (21 March 1757 – 25 October 1822) was an English naturalist and illustrator. Contributions to published works, such as A Specimen of the Botany of New Holland or English Botany, include his detailed and appealing plates. The use of vivid colour and accessible texts were intended to reach a widening audience in works of natural history.

This print comes from English Botany; or, Coloured Figures of British Plants, with their Essential Characters, Synonyms, and Places of Growth, which was published in 36 volumes over 23 years, until its eventual completion in 1813. The descriptions were supplied by Sir James E. Smith and illuminated by James Sowerby's 2,592 hand-colored plates.

This print is from a second edition of Volume VIII, circa 1841, published by C.E. Sower by, Printed by Richard and John E. Taylor, Red Lion Court, Fleet Street, London.

All the color of these prints has been painted by hand. Sowerby at times has left the print half uncolored and exposing the engraving lines. This not only makes each print unique but shows Sowerby's appreciation of the art of engraving.

Antique prints make unique home decor bringing science and art together at an affordable price.